Police: Woman pretends to find dogs after stealing them

A woman suspected of dog theft was arrested in Osceola County on Monday, police said.

An investigation began March 23 when authorities responded to a burglary at 5014 Tuscaroa Avenue in St. Cloud. The homeowner, Brian Tran, told deputies he arrived home and found his two dogs, a pit bull and black Labrador, missing from his home.

A neighbor told deputies he observed an unknown female, identified as Nicole Moses, 29, walking around the property and taking pictures. The neighbor said Moses went into the garage, removed the two dogs and then drove away in a blue Ford Explorer.

"We saw a lady come over and basically get the dogs out of the garage," said neighbor Melissa Guimond. "Out of her vehicle she took two leashes and opened the garage doors and took two dogs."

On Monday, Tran returned home to a note, written on green construction paper, attached to his garage door that said, “Dogs Found, Neglected and Abused...Please Text,” according to officers.

"We have food. We have water. We have everything in there," said Tran. "I don't know what in her mind, but she cannot come to people's houses and open the door and take the dogs away."

Tran contacted the number and made arrangement to meet and agreed to provide a reward for the return of the dogs, police say.

"She said I had to bail out with certain money," said Tran. "I offered her $2,000."

Deputies noticed the blue Explorer in the area of the scheduled meeting. A traffic stop was conducted and Moses was taken into custody.

Moses told authorities she "rescued the dogs from the residence," according to the arrest report.

The dogs were found in the vehicle and returned to the owner.

Deputies pointed out in the report that the dogs were in excellent shape and responded to voice commands Tran gave them.